Move

Big Idea: God has created us to move, and it does not matter what your starting level of ability; just do it.

On the Move

I hate working out. I don’t even like walking on a treadmill. With a broken foot still healing, I know I need to keep active to be healthy. 

The older I get the more I realize balance and flexibility is important.

In Bible times with no electricity or running water, people worked hard unless they were the rare wealthy ones with  servants to do the hard work, 

We work hard today too, but with modern conveniences, life isn't as physical as it was in Bible times.

The role of self discipline

The Apostle Paul, lived in Greece for a time near the site of the Greek Olympic games. He used physical training as an example for spiritual training.

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I Corinthians 9:25-26 NLT

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. I Timothy 4:8

The Bible doesn't tell us exercise is important for the Christian. But in the Apostle Paul’s writings he shows that self discipline is important. Shouldn’t that be true for all areas of our life, not just self control against sin?

Keep doing what you can

Most people know Isaiah 40:31 about soaring with eagles. It is wonderful to think that God carries us on eagle’s wings when we are exhausted.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength, they will soar high on wings as eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Did you ever notice the second sentence in the verse? Why would it even mention to run and not grow weary and to walk and not faint if the epitome is to soar?

This verse is a prompt for me to keep moving as I am able. There are different stages of life, and different seasons. And God helps us no matter where we are at.

Have you lost someone close to you? Have you ever gotten bad news or a disheartening diagnosis? At times like that you may feel like you will never soar like an eagle again.

I don’t think God wants usto get into a frenzy, trying hard to generate trust so we can soar like an eagle. He wants us to trust Him and take one more step. 

Soaring is good. But maybe you can't soar, but you can run. Or perhaps running is out of the picture for you. You can bearly walk without fainting. But with the Lord’s help take that next step.

Physically, keep moving. With my broken foot I will keep on. Movement is important. God has created us to move! 

So let's get moving!

For in Him we live and move and exist. Acts 17: 28a

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Reflect:

1. Do you love to work out or do you tend to find any excuse not to? Have you ever thought of movement as a gift from God?

2. Do you think you honor God with your level of movement? Take some time to meditate and pray on what God might want of your body.